Paintings or sculptures often convey the drama of an event more powerfully and immediately than the written word. Works of art can bring to life history that may be unknown to new employees or has been lost in time among veterans. The artworks comprising the CIA’s Intelligence Art Collection are inspired by significant events in Agency history and were donated to the CIA as gifts to the US government.

'Untouchable' is just one of the paintings in the CIA's Intelligence Art Collection. It depicts the first operational flight of the A-12 on May 31, 1967.

The presentation of these works of art to CIA’s workforce unites veterans who participated in the events with today’s officers eager to learn about CIA’s operational past. Family members share with pride the accomplishments of their loved ones and see that hardship and sacrifice is not forgotten.

Recent additions to the Agency’s historical holdings include intelligence-themed paintings and sculpture that record the experiences of intelligence officers in peace and war.